Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Growing Uncertainty

Meanwhile, several refugee rights activists emphasize that host countries must adhere to their international commitments.

A number of Afghan refugees holding Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) in Pakistan have complained about increasing challenges in the country, stating that despite having these cards, their stay is legal and they should not be forcibly deported.

This comes as the Pakistani government has set March 31 of this year as the deadline for these refugees to leave the country.

“Refugees holding ACC cards are not illegal. They are Afghan refugees who have been living here for the past 25 years,” said Malik Awal Shinwari, one of the Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

“We hope that all responsible institutions and human rights organizations working in this field will come to the aid of refugees in Pakistan,” said Mohammad Reza Sazish, another Afghan refugee.

Meanwhile, several refugee rights activists emphasize that host countries must adhere to their international commitments.

“The UNHCR needs to hold a meeting with both sides and establish a clear policy regarding these refugees,” stated
Ehsan Khan Ahmadzai, a refugee rights activist.

At the same time, in addition to Pakistan, Afghan refugees in Iran and Turkey are also facing numerous challenges. The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly called on host countries not to politicize migration issues and to prevent the forced deportation of refugees.

Afghan Refugees in Pakistan Face Growing Uncertainty
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Torkham Crossing to Reopen Tomorrow After New Agreement

At the same time, analysts emphasized that Kabul and Islamabad must resolve disputes through dialogue.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) has announced that Afghan and Pakistani traders, along with tribal elders, reached an agreement today (Monday) to reopen the Torkham crossing.

According to officials from ACCI, Torkham will reopen tomorrow (Tuesday) for all types of movement under this agreement. Another meeting is scheduled for this evening to further coordinate and prepare for the reopening.

Zalmai Azimi, a trader, told TOLOnews: “A meeting was held today in Torkham between both sides. The decisions made were positive, and it is likely that the crossing will reopen today or tomorrow.”

At the same time, analysts emphasized that Kabul and Islamabad must resolve disputes through dialogue.

Political analyst Sayed Abadullah Sadiq said: “When Pakistan closes the crossing, it does not solve the problem; rather, it worsens it. Diplomatic engagement must be increased so that any issues can be resolved through negotiations.”

Political analyst Fazl Rahman Oria explained: “Afghanistan and Central Asian countries use the Torkham crossing for trade and economic purposes, and Pakistan also relies on this route. Therefore, its closure is a severe blow to the economies of Afghanistan and Central Asia.”

This comes after Pakistan closed the Torkham on February 21, 2024. Islamabad claimed that the closure was due to the construction of facilities by the Islamic Emirate.

Torkham Crossing to Reopen Tomorrow After New Agreement
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Life of British man, 79, imprisoned by Taliban is in serious danger, say family

Peter Reynolds and his wife, Barbie, 75, who run a training business in Afghanistan, were detained last month when they travelled to their home in Bamiyan province.

Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, said her father’s health had “significantly deteriorated” after the couple were separated and moved to a high-security prison.

“We hear he now has a chest infection, a double eye infection and serious digestive issues due to poor nutrition,” she said.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, Entwistle said: “Without immediate access to necessary medication, his life is in serious danger.” He requires pills for his heart after he had a mini-stroke before he was detained.

Entwistle said the family had been told that Reynolds was in immense pain after being “beaten and shackled”.

In a direct plea to her parents’ captors, she added: “Our desperate appeal to the Taliban is that they release them to their home, where they have the medication he needs to survive.

“We believe this request should be viewed not merely as a plea, but as a unique opportunity to demonstrate an unforgettable act of kindness that will resonate around the world.”

The couple’s business, Rebuild, has run projects in schools in Afghanistan for 18 years and continued after the Taliban regained power in 2021. Barbie previously became the first woman to receive a certificate of appreciation from the Taliban.

The pair were arrested on 1 February with an American-Chinese friend, Faye Hall, who had rented a plane to travel with them, and a translator from Rebuild.

The reason for their detention remains unclear. Entwistle suspects it was because they were teaching mothers with children.

The previous Taliban regime, before it was toppled by the US-led invasion in 2001, had accused the couple of teaching against Islam, but this case was dropped. The family said their parents respected Taliban rule and had adapted to the imposition of strict Islamic laws.

Hopes were raised in late February that the couple would be released.

In a statement reported by the BBC, the Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani said: “A series of considerations is being taken into account and, after evaluation, we will endeavour to release them as soon as possible.”

He added that the three foreign nationals had Afghan passports and national ID cards.

Qani’s statement drew a cautious welcome from Entwistle, who told the Times: “It’s the first thing we’ve heard from the Taliban, so it’s really positive, but he’s really not saying very much. We know they were investigating to see if they were teaching anything against Islam, so that was a relief to us as we knew they wouldn’t be.”

She added: “Next thing we heard, the investigation was because they’re teaching parenting skills to mothers over the age of 30, with their children. Apparently, that was now against the law, but none of the influential people in that village [Bamiyan] thought it was a problem.”

The couple, who originally met at the University of Bath, married in Kabul in 1970 after travelling there as part of an academic placement scheme. They became Afghan citizens after returning to the country 30 years later to set up Rebuild.

The couple’s family initially did not want the UK government to get involved with the case.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of two British nationals who are detained in Afghanistan.”

Life of British man, 79, imprisoned by Taliban is in serious danger, say family
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Author says ban on her book reflects Taliban’s repression of women

Books by Afghan and Pakistani authors are displayed in a store in Peshawar, Pakistan, March 14, 2025. The Taliban have banned 400 titles in Afghanistan.
Books by Afghan and Pakistani authors are displayed in a store in Peshawar, Pakistan, March 14, 2025. The Taliban have banned 400 titles in Afghanistan.

When Naveeda Khoshbo published her book of political analysis in 2019, she received widespread praise and recognition.

For many, “it was the first time that they were reading a book written by a young woman,” she said.

So, when she received a text message from a friend and fellow journalist in November 2024, telling her the Taliban had banned her book, she was shocked.

Khoshbo, 33, said she can’t figure out why the book, “Siyasi Jaj” or “Political Analysis,” was banned, saying “it did not address any sensitive topics.”

Published by the Peace Publish Center in Kabul, her book covers political events and processes from 2001 to 2019.

But last year it was included in a list circulated on social media of more than 400 books banned by the Taliban.

The list covers a range of topics: democracy, the arts, literature, poetry, history, religion, governance, rights and freedoms.

The Taliban’s deputy minister for the Ministry of Information and Culture, Zia-ul Haq Haqmal, told media his department had identified 400 books deemed “against Afghanistan’s national interest and Islamic values.”

‘Hostility is directed at women’

Khoshbo believes her book also was banned because it was written by a woman. She is now based in London.

“I believe their hostility is directed at women, and for them, the books written by women are the first to be targeted, regardless of their content,” she said.

About a dozen titles in the book ban are by women, or they were translated by women. Other titles include the book by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, “I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education.”

The Taliban, who seized power in August 2021, have imposed strict measures against women in Afghanistan, barring them from education, work, long-distance travel and participating in public life.

UN urges Taliban to end restrictions on girls on International Women’s Day

Afghan writer Nazeer Ahmad Sahaar told VOA the Taliban jettison anything they see as contrary to their ideology.

“Anything that is against the Taliban’s political and religious beliefs and narrative is banned under the Taliban,” said Sahaar.

The author has written more than a dozen books. One of those, “Waziristan: The Last Stand” is also on the list of banned publications.

Sahaar sees the book ban as part of a larger crackdown on “women, the press and freedom of expression.”

Sahaar said the ban on books, though, is of little surprise.

“It was evident that they would impose restrictions in many areas,” he said.

Alongside the book ban and restrictions imposed on women, the Taliban return has led to restrictions on freedom of expression.

Media outlets work under rules that are not always clear about what can and cannot be covered, and in some cases must submit coverage for review before publication.

The Taliban also imposed restrictions on printing books.

An owner of a printing press in the eastern province of Nangarhar, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, told VOA that the provincial Directorate of Information and Culture instructed publishers not to print anything without prior permission.

“In a meeting with publishers, the Taliban officials said that ‘if you are publishing any book, you must first obtain permission from the directorate,'” said the business owner.

The owner said that businesses are struggling under the Taliban, but there is an increased demand for books, particularly ones that are banned.

“The Taliban’s restrictions have sparked social and cultural resistance,” he said, with people seeking ways to oppose the limitations, including by reading prohibited books.

‘It reflects the fear’

Abdul Ghafoor Lewal, an Afghan writer and former diplomat, told VOA the Taliban’s actions reveal fear of any opposition.

“It reflects the fear authoritarian regimes have of freedom of expression, books and knowledge,” said Lewal.

Khoshbo said the Taliban’s ban would not stop her and other women from writing and participating in social and political life.

“The Taliban can’t suppress our voices by “banning books,” said Khoshbo, but “women can’t be erased from society and politics.”

Author says ban on her book reflects Taliban’s repression of women
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Afghanistan denies link to train attack in Pakistan

 Locator map of Sibi, in Balochistan province, Pakistan
Locator map of Sibi, in Balochistan province, Pakistan

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called Pakistan’s assertions “baseless,” in a statement Thursday.

“We categorically reject baseless allegations by Pakistani army spokesperson linking attack on a passenger train in Balochistan province with Afghanistan,” foreign ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said in a statement posted on X.

Militants linked with the banned Baloch Liberation Army attacked a passenger train Tuesday near Sibi, Balochistan, taking hundreds hostage.

Militants attack train, take hostages in Pakistan’s Balochistan province

At least 21 passengers and four paramilitary troops died in the attack. The military claimed the killing of 33 terrorists.

During a visit to Quetta for a high-level security meeting Thursday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told media 339 passengers were rescued.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director general of the Pakistani military’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations, had earlier said attackers collaborated with partners in Afghanistan.

“During the operation, these terrorists were in contact with their supporters and masterminds in Afghanistan via satellite phone,” Chaudhry told a private news channel as he declared the clearance operation over Wednesday night.

Later, the military’s media wing reiterated the assertion.

“Intelligence reports have unequivocally confirmed that the attack was orchestrated and directed by terrorist ringleaders operating from Afghanistan, who were in direct communication with terrorists throughout the incident,” a statement from the ISPR said.

Rebutting the claim, Balkhi said Islamabad must address internal issues.

“[We] urge Pakistani side to focus on resolving their own security and internal problems instead of such irresponsible remarks,” the Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson said..

Tuesday’s attack marked a dramatic escalation in the separatist insurgency that has ravaged Balochistan for nearly two decades.

The militants blew up tracks, bringing the train with nearly 450 passengers to a halt in a tunnel, where they stormed it.

Survivors told VOA the attackers singled out security personnel and ethnic Punjabi passengers, shooting many.

Eyewitnesses give harrowing account of Pakistan train attack

“Pakistan expects the Interim Afghan Government to uphold its responsibilities and deny use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan,” the military said in written comments to the media Wednesday, repeating an increasingly frequent demand.

On Thursday, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, repeated Islamabad’s stance.

“We urge Afghanistan to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers, of this reprehensible act of terrorism accountable and cooperate with the government of Pakistan to bring all those who are concerned with this attack, including the real sponsors of terrorism, to justice,” Khan told media at the weekly briefing.

Balkhi rejected the allegation that Baloch separatists have put down roots across the border.

“No members of Balouch opposition have presence in Afghanistan, nor have they ever had or have any links with the Islamic Emirate,” Balkhi said in his post on X. The Taliban refer to their government as the Islamic Emirate.

Pakistan has seen a sharp increase in terrorism in the last year, with deaths rising by nearly 45% in 2024 from the year before.

The country now ranks second on the Global Terrorism Watchlist with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, an ideological offshoot of the Afghan Taliban, and the separatist Baloch Liberation Army emerging as the deadliest outfits.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan this week, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, said Kabul was failing to rein in Baloch separatists.

“The Kabul authorities have failed to address the threat posed to the region and beyond by other terrorist groups, such as al Qaida, the TTP and Baloch terrorists, including the BLA and the Majeed Brigade, which are present in Afghanistan,” the Pakistani envoy said Monday.

Afghanistan denies link to train attack in Pakistan
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10 Km of TAPI Gas Pipeline Completed in Afghanistan

By Fidel Rahmati

Khaama Press

The TAPI gas pipeline in Afghanistan has completed 10 kilometers of construction.

Hamayon Afghan, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of the Taliban administration, announced that the practical work on the TAPI gas pipeline project in Afghanistan has made 10 kilometers of progress.

On Saturday, March 15, Afghan shared a video clip revealing the acceleration of the TAPI project’s work as the weather warmed up.

According to Afghan, the TAPI project is one of the government’s priorities in the energy infrastructure sector, and there are hopes for its swift completion.

The TAPI pipeline is a major regional project that aims to transport Turkmenistan’s gas through Afghanistan to Pakistan and India.

This project was launched in 2015 in Merv, Turkmenistan, by the leaders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, and was inaugurated in Afghanistan in 2017.

It is worth noting that the implementation of this project was delayed due to insecurity in Afghanistan. The TAPI project is one of the largest regional projects, with a length of 1,821 kilometers and an annual gas transmission capacity of 33 billion cubic meters.

Meanwhile, significant progress has been made on the TAPI project, the challenges posed by security concerns in Afghanistan remain. The successful completion of the project could significantly impact the region’s energy landscape, fostering closer cooperation among neighboring countries. However, continued efforts will be required to ensure its timely and secure completion.

10 Km of TAPI Gas Pipeline Completed in Afghanistan
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Retirees Protest in Kabul: ‘We Want Our Rights’

The protesting retirees stated that they are enduring severe economic hardships, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

Following previous gatherings of retirees, a number of them once again held a protest today (Saturday) in front of the Pension Treasury Directorate, demanding the payment of their overdue pensions.

The protesting retirees stated that they are enduring severe economic hardships, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

They say that for nearly four years, they have been gathering almost daily at the doors of the Pension Treasury, hoping to receive their pension payments.

Abdul Hanan Oryakhil, one of the retirees, told TOLOnews: “We only want the pension we used to receive every year. Our wives and young children also have the right to receive our pension.”

Abdul Khaleq, a representative of the retirees, said: “We have served this country, and our beards turned white in service. We roamed the mountains and dedicated our lives to this land. As you can see, all these retirees are facing economic hardship.”

Among the protesters, a former Ministry of Defense employee told TOLOnews that he is now struggling with countless challenges day and night.

Qader, another retiree, told TOLOnews: “We don’t have flour at home, no oil, nothing. Our pensions must be paid. The UNAMA office and the United Nations exist, but we have not received any assistance so far.”

Previously, the leader of the Islamic Emirate issued a decree for the payment of retirees’ pensions. However, there have been no recent updates on its implementation, and details remain unclear.

Retirees Protest in Kabul: ‘We Want Our Rights’
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Afghanistan Among Countries in Proposed US Visa Ban

This move is part of Trump’s strict immigration policies during his second term in office.

The administration of Donald Trump is considering imposing extensive travel restrictions on citizens of 41 countries, including Afghanistan, for entry into the United States.

According to sources cited by Reuters, these restrictions are categorized into three levels:

1.    Complete visa suspension for 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea.

2.    Partial visa suspension for 5 countries, including Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, which would involve restrictions on tourist, student, and some immigration visas.

3.    Conditional visa suspension for 26 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, where visa issuance will be restricted if security deficiencies are not addressed within 60 days.

The report states that these countries have been given a 60-day deadline to rectify security shortcomings; otherwise, visa issuance for their citizens will be restricted.

This proposal has not yet received final approval from the Trump administration or US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and changes to the list of affected countries may still be made.

This move is part of Trump’s strict immigration policies during his second term in office.

In an October 2023 speech, he had announced his intention to impose restrictions on citizens of Gaza, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and any country deemed a threat to US national security.

If finalized, this policy could have far-reaching impacts on travelers, students, and immigrants from dozens of countries and is expected to trigger both domestic and international reactions.

Afghanistan Among Countries in Proposed US Visa Ban
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Islamic Emirate Responds to Concerns Over Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

18 March 2025

In response to remarks made at a UN side event on Afghan women, Khyber stated that such claims are merely an attempt to “mislead public opinion.”

Saif-ul-Islam Khyber, spokesperson for the Ministry of Vice and Virtue, has dismissed concerns from various countries about the situation of women in Afghanistan, calling them “unfounded.”

In response to remarks made at a UN side event on Afghan women, Khyber stated that such claims are merely an attempt to “mislead public opinion.”

Khyber reaffirmed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to women’s rights, stating: “Since the Islamic Emirate came to power in Afghanistan, it has ensured that all women receive their Islamic rights as prescribed by Sharia law. The Emirate remains committed to protecting women’s rights and has demonstrated this in practice.”

However, some women’s rights activists and political analysts are urging the Islamic Emirate to uphold women’s rights, including the right to education and employment.

Zarif Danishjoo, an advocate, stated: “Our request to the Islamic Emirate is to reopen schools for girls, as education is the only hope for a nation’s future.”

Lima Shirzai, a women’s rights activist, said: “Afghan women and girls want to work like women in other Islamic countries so they can contribute to Afghanistan’s growth and development while playing a role in raising and educating their children.”

Previously, representatives from Canada, the Netherlands, Albania, Australia, and several other countries expressed concerns about the situation of women in Afghanistan. They emphasized that practical steps are needed to ensure women’s rights in the country.

Islamic Emirate Responds to Concerns Over Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
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UNSC to Vote on UNAMA Mission Extension Tomorrow

The Islamic Emirate has yet to respond to the matter. However, it previously deemed last year’s UNAMA mission in Afghanistan as ineffective.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is set to vote tomorrow (17 March) on a draft resolution extending the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) until 17 March 2026.

According to a report from the council, the draft resolution for UNAMA’s mandate has been presented without any changes to its duties and priorities. The resolution includes key topics such as human rights—especially women’s and girls’ rights—Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian situation, terrorism, drug trafficking, and the condition of internally displaced persons.

The report further states: “The draft resolution renews UNAMA’s mandate for an additional year without changing its tasks and priorities and also contains preambular language regarding several issues, including human rights, particularly those of women and girls; women, peace and security (WPS); the economic and humanitarian situations in Afghanistan; terrorism; drug trafficking; small arms and light weapons, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees; and the impacts of natural disasters.”

“The extension of UNAMA’s mission is beneficial for Afghanistan, as it serves as a gateway for relations with the United Nations and other countries. Given Afghanistan’s current global isolation, renewing UNAMA’s mandate is in the country’s best interest,” said Aziz Maarej, a former diplomat.

Despite Security Council members agreeing on extending UNAMA’s mandate without major changes, certain issues remain contentious in the draft resolution. These include development aid, Afghanistan’s frozen central bank assets, commitments, accountability, and environmental concerns.

“They should represent not only the international community but also the Afghan society and convey the aspirations of the Afghan people,” said Enayatullah Hammam, an international relations analyst.

The Islamic Emirate has yet to respond to the matter. However, it previously deemed last year’s UNAMA mission in Afghanistan as ineffective.

UNSC to Vote on UNAMA Mission Extension Tomorrow
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